{"id":352497,"date":"2016-04-04T10:42:01","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:42:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/consumer\/consumer-transactions\/consumer-warranty-basics.html"},"modified":"2024-03-27T08:10:07","modified_gmt":"2024-03-27T13:10:07","slug":"consumer-warranty-basics","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/consumer-transactions\/consumer-warranty-basics.html","title":{"rendered":"Consumer Warranty Law Basics"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Consumer Warranty Law Basics<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Hannah Hilst<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Consumer warranties are guarantees from sellers or manufacturers assuring product quality. They can be express (written or verbal) or implied (automatic legal protections). Express warranties may cover specific defects or durations, while implied warranties ensure basic functionality. Federal law, like the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, regulates written warranties, requiring clear terms and consumer rights. Consult a consumer protection attorney for specific guidance.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

A consumer warranty is a seller or manufacturer’s guarantee assuring a product’s level of quality and reliability. You can hold the seller accountable if the product fails to meet these standards, such as breaking or failing to work as advertised. Often, you can seek a product replacement or repair free of charge.<\/p>\n

Warranties cover most new product purchases. There are different types of warranties. A salesperson might explain a warranty at the time of sale. You may have the option to buy an extended warranty for a fee. Some warranties are merely implied.<\/p>\n

Warranty types each involve unique laws or terms. The following information describes how product warranties work and how to recognize when you might have one.<\/p>\n

How Does a Warranty Benefit Customers?<\/h2>\n

Warranties give you certain rights to expect the business to repair or replace your product if you discover a problem. Valid warranties and related consumer protection laws compel sellers and manufacturers to meet basic expectations.<\/p>\n

For example, you may buy a dishwasher only to discover it floods your kitchen due to a defective seal on the door. You can make a warranty claim to get a free seal replacement from the business that fits your model and stops the leaking.<\/p>\n

The benefits of a product warranty depend on what it covers. Warranty coverage depends on the warranty’s specific language or the law.<\/p>\n

Your Options Depend on the Warranty Type<\/h2>\n

There are many types of warranties<\/a>. In many cases, a product has coverage through multiple warranty types. Each type can involve different laws and exclusions. Knowing your type of warranty and how it works can clarify your options.<\/p>\n

Warranties vary based on several factors, including:<\/p>\n